Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia has approved a new minimum wage of ₦75,000 for civil servants in the state, marking a significant boost to workers’ earnings. The Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Tersoo Kula, confirmed in a statement that the new wage will take effect starting November 2024.

The announcement followed a meeting between the governor and representatives of organized labour. During the discussions, the parties addressed various concerns, including transportation allowances, wage awards, tax relief, and work-off days.

“We are implementing a new national minimum wage of ₦75,000,” Governor Alia announced, adding that the wage was set after careful consideration of the issues raised during negotiations.

The governor also pledged to address the remaining three months of a five-month backlog in arrears, as outlined in the 2024 budget, emphasizing his administration’s commitment to prioritizing the welfare of the state’s workforce.

“Our administration is committed to ensuring that the ordinary citizens of Benue receive fair treatment, and resolving outstanding arrears is essential to easing the hardships faced by our workers,” he said.

This decision aligns with the federal government’s efforts to improve workers’ conditions. In July, President Bola Tinubu signed a bill raising the national minimum wage from ₦30,000 to ₦70,000, paving the way for states like Benue to implement further increments.